"A feat that will be cherished for generations to come" - Congratulations pour in for Indian men’s hockey team after clinching bronze
Following the disqualification of Vinesh Phogat from the 50kg freestyle wrestling final at the Paris Olympics 2024 yesterday, Indian fans finally had a reason to smile today. The Indian hockey team has won a historic bronze medal at the Summer Games by defeating Spain 2-1 in the bronze-medal match.
It was skipper Harmanpreet Singh, who, with his two short corner goals helped India earn their second bronze medal on the trot. Notably, back in 2021, at the Tokyo Olympics, India recorded a historic bronze medal as they won a medal in the sport for the first time since the Moscow Games in 1980, where they won a gold.
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X to congratulate the team for their Paris feat on Thursday. He wrote:
"A feat that will be cherished for generations to come! The Indian Hockey team shines bright at the Olympics, bringing home the Bronze Medal! This is even more special because it is their second consecutive Medal at the Olympics. Their success is a triumph of skill, perseverance and team spirit. They showed immense grit and resilience. Congratulations to the players. Every Indian has an emotional connect with Hockey and this accomplishment will make the sport even more popular among the youth of our nation."
Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee posted on X:
"Heartiest Congratulations to our men's hockey team for winning the bronze medal in Paris Olympics 2024! India beams with joy at your extraordinary achievement. Your relentless dedication and unwavering hard work fill our hearts with boundless pride. Wish you all the very best in all your future endeavours! Jai Hind!!"
Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami also congratulated the Indian hockey team. He wrote:
"Chak De India. Heartiest congratulations to the Indian hockey team for winning the bronze medal at the Paris Olympics! India secures its 4th Medal at Paris Olympics 2024 by defeating Spain in a thrilling match. The entire nation is proud!"
Famous English cricket upmire Richard Kettleborough wrote on X:
"Congratulations Team India. Back 2 Back Bronze Medal in Back 2 Back Olympics. Happy Ending for Indian Legendary Goal Keeper PR Sreejesh."
Parimal Nathwani, who is the president of the Gujarat State Football Association also took to X to lend his support to the team for winning the bronze medal. He wrote:
"An incredible moment for Indian Hockey with the Men’s Hockey Team securing the bronze medal at Paris Olympics 2024! This achievement brings immense pride and joy to every Indian. Your dedication and effort have set a remarkable example and will inspire future generations."
Sanjana Ganesan, who works at ICC and is the wife of Indian cricketer Jaspreet Bumrah wrote on X:
"Congratulations to the Indian hockey team for winning the back to back Bronze medals at the Paris Olympics! India secures its 4th Medal at #Paris2024 by defeating Spain in a thrilling match. The entire nation is proud! Chak De India!"
India wins fourth medal at Paris Olympics 2024
With the hockey team winning bronze, India has now secured four medals in the ongoing Paris Games, all of which are bronze. The first bronze was brought in by pistol shooter Manu Bhaker. The second one came in a shooting team event, where Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh made India proud. Rifle shooter Swapnil Kusale earned India their third medal.
Notably, all the three medals previously won by India at the Paris Games were in shooting. Moreover, this is the Indian hockey team's 13th medal, having won eight gold, one silver and three bronze medals previously.